Jessie Taylor
Blowing out a candle is a common method to extinguish the flame, but it is not always considered respectful. Some believe that blowing out a candle blows away intentions before the universe can receive them, and that it shows disrespect to angels and spirits. Additionally, blowing out a candle can cause issues such as wax unevenness, tunneling, and an unpleasant after-scent due to the smoke. To avoid these issues and to show respect, alternative methods such as using a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or a lid can be used to extinguish the flame respectfully and effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wait time | Wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before blowing out the candle |
| Use of breath | Blowing out a candle is considered disrespectful to angels and spirits, but it is a quick way to extinguish the flame |
| Use of tools | Candle snuffers, wick dippers, and lids can be used to put out a candle without causing smoke or wax issues |
| Candle type | Birthday candles and tapers can be blown out, but scented candles are better extinguished with a tool |
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What You'll Learn
Wait for the entire surface to melt
When it comes to putting out a candle, there are several popular methods, including blowing it out, putting a lid on it, using a wick dipper, and using a candle snuffer. However, blowing out a candle can cause issues such as unevenness, tunneling, and wax being blown astray. It can also result in a build-up of smoke, which can leave an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick and candle wax.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to wait for the entire surface of the candle to melt before blowing it out. This may take some time, but it is necessary to ensure the candle burns evenly in the future. When you blow out a candle before the entire surface has melted, the candle will only melt up to that point in the future, leaving a coating of unusable wax along the inside of the vessel.
Waiting for the entire surface to melt helps to prevent tunneling, which occurs when the wax is pushed to the side of the glass container, creating an uneven melt pool. It also ensures that the wick is not buried in wax, making it easier to relight. By taking the time to wait for the entire surface to melt, you can extend the life of your candle and maintain its original fragrance.
While waiting for the entire surface to melt may take a bit longer, it is a worthwhile step to ensure the best burning experience and to get the most out of your candle. This method is especially useful for scented candles, where preserving the fragrance and maintaining an even melt pool are important. So, the next time you light a candle, remember to patiently wait for the entire surface to melt before blowing it out.
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Use a wick dipper
Using a wick dipper is a safe and effective way to extinguish a candle without producing smoke or soot. It is a slender, long-handled metal instrument with a curved or hooked end. This method is particularly useful if you want to preserve the quality and fragrance of your candle, as well as prevent wax from splattering.
To use a wick dipper, first, allow your candle to burn until a pool of wax forms around the wick. Then, hold the wick dipper by its handle and angle the curved end towards the wick. Use the tip of the wick dipper to gently and quickly press or dip the wick into the molten wax, eliminating oxygen and instantly extinguishing the flame.
After extinguishing the flame, use the wick dipper to lift the wick out of the wax and reposition it for the next use. This step ensures the wick is coated in wax, which helps the candle burn more evenly and slowly during subsequent uses, reducing the likelihood of smoking or an oversized flame.
Wick dippers are an excellent tool for candle care and maintenance. They help maintain the integrity of the wick, prevent issues like tunneling and unevenness, and increase the longevity of your candles. They are also easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a paper towel, soft cloth, or a solution of warm water and mild dish detergent.
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Use a candle snuffer
Using a candle snuffer is a great way to put out a candle respectfully. Candle snuffers, also known as "douters", have been used since the mid-17th century and are still popular today due to their effectiveness. They are inexpensive, fashionable, and can put out candles safely and quickly without producing lingering smoke.
When using a candle snuffer, hold it over the lit candle, ensuring that the bell-shaped end is lowered onto the flame. The snuffer works by preventing air from reaching the flame, causing it to extinguish. Keep the snuffer in place until the flame is completely out, and then remove it. Make sure that the snuffer does not come into contact with the melted wax.
Using a candle snuffer is preferable to blowing out a candle, as it prevents wax and soot from being blown around and potentially coating the inside of the candle vessel. This method is especially recommended for scented candles, as it helps to preserve their fragrance and protects the wax from being disturbed.
Candle snuffers are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They can add a sense of sophistication and decor to your home while being affordable and easily accessible. So, the next time you need to put out a candle, consider using a candle snuffer for a respectful and elegant approach.
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Avoid blowing wax everywhere
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to spray everywhere, creating a mess and even causing minor burns. To avoid this, there are a few alternative methods to extinguish a candle without blowing it out.
One way is to use a wick dipper, a long-handled tool with a hook or tip on one end. To extinguish the candle, use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method eliminates oxygen and puts out the flame with little to no smoke, preserving the fragrance of the candle.
Another popular method is to use a candle snuffer, which also has a long handle but with a bell-shaped end. Hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the flame. Keep the snuffer in place until the flame is fully extinguished, then remove it. This method also produces minimal smoke and is a quick and safe way to put out a candle.
If you do choose to blow out a candle, it is important to exercise caution to avoid blowing wax everywhere. Stand a few inches away from the candle, positioning your mouth at wick level. Purse your lips together and blow a thin stream of air to extinguish the flame in one quick gust. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause wax to spray.
Additionally, it is recommended to wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted before blowing it out to prevent tunneling, which leaves a coating of unusable wax along the inside of the vessel.
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Avoid trapping smoke in the candle
Blowing out a candle is not the best way to extinguish it. It can cause issues with the wax, like unevenness and tunneling. It also allows the candle wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can reduce the effect of the candle's fragrance. This smoke can also settle into the wax, making it look dirty and affecting the appearance of white-coloured soy wax.
Using the lid to put out a candle is also not recommended. While it does produce less smoke than blowing out the flame, it traps the smoke in the candle jar, leaving a black, sooty residue on the underside of the lid and the inside of the container. This trapped soot can settle into the wax, and if done repeatedly, can alter the original scent of the candle, making it smell smoky. If there is a lot of empty space in the container, the flame can continue to burn for a short time, creating a vacuum seal that suctions the lid tightly to the jar, making it hard to open again.
Instead, try using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish your candle. A wick dipper is a long metal tool with a flat handle on one end and a thin tip with a bent hook on the other. Use it to gently press the lit candle wick into the wax pool, which instantly snuffs out the flame, then pull the wick back up into a straight position. This method produces almost no smoke and helps to re-coat the wick with wax after each burn, ensuring a clean flame when you relight it.
A candle snuffer is a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone or bell at the end. Hover the cone or bell over the flame and lower it until it just touches the surface of the wax pool, cutting off the oxygen and extinguishing the flame. This method produces slightly more smoke than using a wick dipper but is still minimal. It also looks elegant and prevents debris from falling into the wax pool.
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